Lessons · Law foundations · The California examination, part by part
California sets its own examination
Most states now give one common examination whose score can be carried to other states. California does not. It sets and grades its own, built from three kinds of instrument: a multiple-choice paper, written essay answers, and at least one performance test. The parts are weighted and combined into a single scaled total, which is compared against a passing line the board sets.
Hone is a place to practise a career, one idea a day. This is one of its lessons, written out in full and free to read without an account.
In beta. This lesson was written for Hone and has not yet been checked by an attorney. Practice material, not professional advice. What that means.
What it is for
This is the fact that surprises people who prepared from national materials. A candidate who drilled for the common examination has practised the right skills and the wrong proportions, and proportions decide where preparation time goes.
How to think about it
Get the current parts, their weights and the passing line from the board, in writing, before building any study plan -- these are exactly the things that get changed. Then divide preparation by weight rather than by comfort, which for most people means far more written practice than they had planned.
Worked example
A multiple-choice paper, common to many states.The one part shared with the national examination.
Written essay answers on a range of subjects.Graded on reasoning shown, not on the verdict reached.
At least one performance test.A task with its own file and library; see the next lesson but one.
Parts are scaled and weighted into one total against a published passing line.Which is why a weak part can be carried by a strong one.
The score does not transfer to other states.This is the practical difference from a common examination.
Your turn
What is the practical consequence of California setting its own examination?
A California pass does not to other states
Solve one, graded on the server
The trap
Planning study by which parts feel most familiar. The weights are published, and the written parts usually carry more of the total than candidates expect.